A. Visit schools anywhere in the , and you will probably notice a of similarities. There are students, teachers, , blackboards, and exams everywhere. However, a system in one country is not to the system in any other . It cannot be exactly the same each culture is different. The educational is a mirror that reflects the . Look at the school system, and you will see the structure and the values of its culture.

Kenya
B. , a developing country on the east of Africa, has a rapidly-growing population. economy is based on agriculture (especially the sale of tea leaves and coffee ) and tourism. from another country be startled by one statistic about in Kenya. They might be surprised to learn that about 90 percent of students who finish primary school—elementary school—don’t on to secondary school. One reason economic. Education in Kenya is free through primary ; students must pay a in secondary school, and many can’t afford this. Also, far from , in rural areas, children need to school to work on their families’s . The other reason is social. Some tribes (such as the Maasai) don’t their children to have a formal because they don’t see its relevance—its to real life.

Japan
C. In , the Japanese value education highly. They such importance on it that 88 of all students complete not only school but also high school. Public are all both free and ; all students are considered equal and learn the material. For social reasons, it’s for a student to receive a degree—and a degree from the “right .” To reach this goal, students have through “examination hell” There are exams for entrance to all universities, many of the better primary and schools, and even to some kindergartners! students need great discipline; in order make time for their studies, they the self control to give up , sports, and social life. Results of exams affect the entire family because is high status, or social position, for the family when the children high test scores.

Britain
D. In the United Kingdom (), the educational system the class system. All state schools—primary, , and university—are free, and the first years are egalitarian; all students learn the same material. At age eleven, students an important national exam. After this, attend one of three possible secondary : college preparatory, vocational (for training), or comprehensive (with both groups of students). , six percent of British students expensive private schools. These are students from -class families. Half of the students at and Cambridge universities come from such secondary schools. Although all universities are , only one percent of the lower goes to university. Because graduates from universities get the best jobs, it clear that success is largely a of one’s social class.

The United States
in the United States is more than in many countries, but also has serious problems. Public primary secondary schools are free, and almost percent of all Americans are high graduates. Students themselves decide if they want college-preparatory or in high ; no national exam determines this. Higher is not free, but it is to almost anyone, and about percent of all high school graduates attend or university. Older people have the to attend college, too, because Americans that “you’re never too old to .” However, there are also problems in U.S. schools. In many secondary schools, there problems with lack of and with drugs and crime. In addition, public receive their money from local taxes, so schools in don’t have enough good teachers or equipment, and the buildings are often not in good . Clearly, U.S education reflects both the and the of the society.

Conclusion
F. It is clear that each system is a reflection of the culture: its economy, values, social , and problems. Look at a country’s schools, and you will about the in which they exist.